The FOIA permits agencies to charge fees to requesters. In your request you may include the fee category in which you feel you belong, (commercial use, news media, educational institution, noncommercial scientific institution, or other). State the maximum amount of fees that you are willing to pay, or include a request for a fee waiver. Fee waivers may be granted when disclosure of the records is in the public interest and will contribute to the public's understanding of the agency's operations or activities. The request for a waiver must be fully documented and justified by written explanation.

Information will be included in the response to your request regarding any fee charges. The USDA FOIA regulations (7 CFR Subtitle A, Part 1, Subpart A) include a complete list of fee charges. The current fees for photocopies are $.20 per page, $10 per hour for clerical time and $20 per hour for supervisory or professional time. No charge shall be made if the total cost is under $25. A requester may be required to pay for fees in advance if it is estimated that the cost will exceed $250.